Dear Colleagues,

Mitochondria are essential for life and are major players in contributing to cell death and disease. They are critical for the synthesis of high-energy phosphates, modulation of calcium stores, regulation of redox homeostasis, and activation of signaling pathways that directly impact cell survival. Mitochondria adjust and respond to different stressors for the maintenance of cellular bioenergetics. Dysfunction of mitochondrial function may result in diseases such as Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, muscular dystrophy, macular degeneration, aging-related neurodegeneration, stroke and myocardial infarctions. Therefore, mitochondria targeting strategies may represent an attractive therapeutic target for ameliorating human disease.

The aim of this special issue is to present the latest research on mitochondrial-targeting therapy, and molecular mechanisms that underlie mitochondrial metabolism, cellular bioenergetics, mitochondrial dynamics, autophagy, mitochondria-mediated cell death pathways, and how mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with disease pathogenesis. We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that will stimulate the continuing efforts for the development of potential therapeutics, and the knowledge to guide future research.

Dr. Ming-Wei Lin
Guest Editor